Ast Prof-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Details • East Lansing, MI

1d • Remote

About The Position

Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a collaborative and highly organized Deputy Director to support the Health Equity Research for Action (HERA) Coordinating Center, a national initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The HERA Coordinating Center supports research that advances health equity through community-centered, action-oriented, and systems-level approaches. The Deputy Director will work closely with the Co-Directors to manage the day-to-day operations of the Coordinating Center, coordinate grantmaking activities, support partnerships across collaborating institutions, and ensure successful implementation of program goals. The Deputy Director will serve as a key member of the HERA leadership team and help facilitate communication among MSU, partner institutions, community organizations, funded investigators, and RWJF. The ideal candidate is a doctoral-trained health equity scholar with experience managing complex research or grant-funded initiatives, coordinating grantmaking activities, and working collaboratively with diverse partners. This position is dependent on grant funding and has the potential for renewal.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in Public health, epidemiology, health policy, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of experience managing research, grant-funded programs, or large collaborative initiatives.
• Knowledge of health equity research and the national health equity landscape.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience engaging community organizations and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and strong work ethic.
• Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct.
• All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate's current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct.
• If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Nice To Haves

• Experience coordinating grantmaking or research funding processes.
• Experience working with philanthropic foundations, federal agencies or research funding organizations.
• Experience with community-engaged or community-based participatory research.
• Familiarity with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation or similar health philanthropy.
• Experience coordinating multi-institutional research collaboratives.
• Experience supervising project staff or trainees.
• Knowledge of research administration in an academic environment.
• Commitment to advancing health equity
• Collaborative leadership and team work skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to coordinate complex, multi-partner initiatives
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accountability
• Cultural humility and commitment to community engagement
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Support the Co-Directors in the day-to-day management of the HERA Coordinating Center.
• Coordinate implementation of program activities, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Track project milestones and facilitate communications across multiple workgroups.
• Prepare reports and assist with strategic planning activities.
• Work collaboratively with HERA staff to ensure efficient program operations.
• Coordinate competitive grantmaking activities, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), reviewer recruitment, review meetings, award administration and reporting.
• Assist with monitoring funded projects and ensuring compliance with RWJF requirements.
• Coordinate technical assistance and communication with funded investigators and community partners.
• Help maintain equitable and transparent grantmaking processes.
• Serve as a liaison between MSU, collaborating HERA Coordinating Centers, RWJF, advisory committees, and community organizations.
• Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support cross-site collaboration and knowledge sharing across partner institutions.
• Support community engagement activities and help ensure meaningful community participation throughout the research funding process.
• Coordinate meetings and activities with community advisory groups and external partners.
• Promote equitable and respectful partnerships with community organizations.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, meeting materials, and communications for RWJF and partner organizations.
• Coordinate internal and external communications among HERA partners.
• Contribute to dissemination of program activities through webinars, conferences, and publications as appropriate.

Benefits

• The University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree